New regulations giving Victoria’s gambling regulator greater powers to investigate and take action against Crown Melbourne should it breach the state’s code of conduct have come into force.
The Victorian government confirmed on Friday that the new powers were now in place – among them laws providing inspectors greater access to books and surveillance equipment at the casino.
Gambling harm minimization has also been embedded as part of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission’s (VGCCC) core business, with a single breach of the code now grounds for disciplinary action. Previously the VGCCC could only initiate disciplinary action after repeated breaches of the gambling code.
News of the tightened regulations coming into force came on the same day as the government announced the establishment of Victoria’s new liquor regulator, Liquor Control Victoria. Prior to last year’s Royal Commission into Crown Melbourne, the state’s gambling and liquor industries had been regulated by a single entity, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR).
Liquor Control Victoria will operate within the Department of Justice and Community Safety, with its functions including licensing, approval, authorization, registration activities and monitoring and responding to breaches of liquor regulations.
“Liquor Control Victoria will provide the strongest possible level of industry oversight,” said Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Melissa Horne.
“The VGCCC’s new powers will make a huge difference in reducing gambling related harm for all Victorians and ensuring the casino operates appropriately.”
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